In many parts of the world, kayaking isn’t a year-round activity. Freezing temperatures and snow may hinder access to waterways. And inclement weather drives many to put their kayaks up for the winter months. We get it, but this does raise the necessity of storing your kayak for several months. Knowing how to store your boat without damaging the hull is key to preserving its lifespan and making it easy to pull out for trips come spring.
Safely Storing a Kayak
Long-term storage for kayaks is something that you should consider if you aren’t interested in using it all year round. It’s not difficult to store it properly and safely, regardless of the amount of space you have. The most significant considerations to think about are ensuring it doesn’t mold, isn’t attracting any pests that need a nest, and is keeping the hull from warping or damage.
Kayak Storage Prep
Especially if your kayak is well-loved, it will likely have accumulated dirt or bugs on the hull from its travels. We recommend a thorough cleaning before storing your kayak for extended periods to ensure the coating is protected and to prevent it from becoming attractive to mold and other critters.
Clean the Kayak
- After the season is over, your kayak is likely to have accumulated dirt, bugs, and other debris. Make sure to strip your kayak of all removable gear (it is a good time to reassess and restock) before you rinse your kayak inside and out with fresh water. Ensure that dirt, salt, and organic matter are rinsed away.
- Use a mild, boat-safe soap to give your kayak a thorough cleaning. Castile soap and tea tree oil are gentle, antimicrobial options that are gentle on your kayak.
- If necessary, scrub with a microfiber cloth (but avoid power washers or coarse sponges). Be sure to get into nooks and crannies where mold is likely to form.
- Ensure the kayak is thoroughly dried. You may leave it to air dry, but be sure to double-check areas that are likely to retain water so that mold and mildew don’t grow.
Lubricate Moving Parts
- Remove and wash all gear, like pedals, rudders, and hatches. Ensure that all parts are completely dry before reattachment.
- Apply WD-40 or another marine-grade silicone spray to all moving parts, including rudder hinges, steering cables, hatch hinges, seat adjusters, etc.
- Check that all mechanisms are operational after lubricating. Distribute product evenly and wipe off any excess.
Protect Hull from Fluctuating Temperatures
- Generally, cold temperatures are less detrimental to kayaks than heat, allowing them to tolerate winter conditions well. However, repeated freeze-thaw cycles can be detrimental if water enters the seams or cracks of the kayak. Keep the kayak dry. (Or even better, have a climate-controlled storage area.
- Insulate the cockpit and hatches if possible. Wrap with a blanket or foam bumper to minimize condensation and temperature stress.
- Applying a UV-protectant spray to the plastic or composite hull is also wise before long-term storage. This is especially true if the kayak will be stored outside.
Kayak Storage Tips
Once your kayak is properly clean and dry, the next step is to figure out where to put it.
Tips for Storing Your Kayak
- Basements, sheds, and garages are all excellent options for protection. A temperature-controlled indoor space with minimal direct sunlight is ideal for storing kayaks, but not everyone has access to one.
- If you need to store it outside, we recommend creating a tent with a tarp and placing the kayak under that to avoid trapping moisture.
- To adequately protect the hull of the kayak, you don’t want the weight of the kayak bearing on it for long periods of time--it really isn’t built to withstand that for very long.
- If you can’t elevate or suspend it, you can place two wooden planks down near the wall, rest the hull on the planks, and then tip it towards the wall to help offset the weight on the hull. With this method, you’ll need to rotate it regularly to alternate the side of the kayak against the wall.
Creative Kayak Storage Solutions
Kayaks may be streamlined on the water, but they can be a challenge to store, especially if you have limited space. However, several creative solutions exist to address these challenges.
Hoist Systems
Suspending your kayak from the ceiling of a garage or shed is an excellent space-saving method that just needs a few pulleys and rope.
- Secure a mounting board to ceiling joists and use eye bolts as attachment points. Ratchet straps and pulleys can be used for lifting.
- Hand winches or bicycle-pulley systems are affordable.
- Invest in upgraded ropes for strength and safety.
- The pulley hoist system ensures that the kayak stays off the floor, frees up space, and still keeps the kayak accessible by lifting and lowering safely.
Wall-Mounted Racks
Wall-mounted racks are a common, reliable solution for keeping kayaks off the ground and out of walkways.
- Stackable racks can be purchased or built with 2x4s to hold multiple kayaks, paddleboards, surfboards, and more. Pad the arms for extra cushion and use tethers for security.
- Racks can be vertical or horizontal. Vertical is nice because it doesn’t require lifting the kayak over your head, but horizontal is generally friendlier on the hull.
- Wall mounts can be constructed with recycled materials for enhanced durability and environmental benefits.
Outdoor Storage Solutions
If you must store your kayak outside, focus on weather protection and theft prevention.
- Build racks or stands with weather-resistant materials, such as cedar or plastic.
- Place racks under the eaves of the roof or build a simple roofed shelter to cut the most direct sun, rain, and ice exposure. If possible, tuck kayaks away from the general line of sight - in the back of the house, behind bushes or shrubs, covered by a shed or garage to prevent theft.
- Use tethers and lockable hardware to deter theft.
- Vertical outdoor racks can reduce space requirements and hide kayaks from sight. They also make them more readily accessible for quick use.
- Of course outdoor storage sheds are ideal to protect your yak from the sun, moisture and weather.
Any of these kayak storage methods will preserve the life of your kayak and prevent it from getting damaged while not in use. Your boat is an investment, so taking good care of it will allow you to get many years of great memories on the water.